Wrap: The whistleblower protection act would make it illegal for an employer to fire an employee who reports to proper authorities about unlawful activities of the employer. It also would place caps on punitive damages against businesses.

St. Louis Lawyer Jerome Dobson testified against the bill. He says current protection for whistle blowers has been successful.

Wrap: This bill creates the Whistleblower Protection Act, which would prevent employers from firing whistle blowers if they report to proper authorities.

It also protects employers by placing caps on punitive damages against businesses.

Democratic St. Louis County Representative Sylvester Taylor says they previously tried to pass worker discrimination legislation without seeing where the serious problems were, but this bill might resolve that.

If the bill passes through committee, it will move to the House floor.

Reporting from the state Capitol, I'm Paige Hornor.